WILKES COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Nearly 600 people tested positive at the Wilkesboro chicken plant that previously had to scale back operations for five days as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Of 2,244 team members and contractors who work at the Tyson chicken plant who were tested for the virus, 570 tested positive, the company said in a statement.

The majority didn’t show symptoms and otherwise wouldn’t have known they were infected. The figures consist of 237 people who were tested by the Department of Health or their own health care providers. Another 2,007 were tested onsite from May 6 to May 9.

Tyson says those who test positive receive paid leave and only return to work upon meeting CDC and Tyson criteria.

“We are working closely with local health departments to protect our team members and their families, and to help manage the spread of the virus in our communities,” said Tom Brower, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety for Tyson Foods. “We are using the most up-to-date data and resources to support our team members, and we are committed to ensuring they feel safe and secure when they come to work.”